Innovation Grant

Closed until 2024

Are you looking for a resource to fund a new and innovative program to enhance the mission of your organization? Consider applying for an Innovation Grant.

The application window for 2024 opens on December 12th and closes on February 6th. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to MHS by phone or info@mhs-association.org with questions.

A total of $4,000 will be awarded to one or more MHS Association member organizations. Awardees will be announced during MHS Assembly on March 7-9. You do not need to be present to be awarded the grant.

Grant Criteria

  • Limit of one application per MHS Association member organization.
  • Fund new innovations that will enhance your organization’s mission. Efforts with the greatest impact on your mission will be given preference.
  • Used for small projects, pilot projects, new programs and opportunities for learning or educational development.
  • Funds may not to be used to cover employee salary or benefits, capital improvements and endowments.
  • Efforts that support diversity, equity and inclusion will be given preference.
  • Limit of one application per MHS Association member organization.
  • Fund new innovations that will enhance your organization’s mission. Efforts with the greatest impact on your mission will be given preference.
  • Used for small projects, pilot projects, new programs and opportunities for learning or educational development.
  • Funds may not to be used to cover employee salary or benefits, capital improvements and endowments.
  • Efforts that support diversity, equity and inclusion will be given preference.

General FAQs

To provide seed money to fund a new and innovative program to enhance the mission of MHS Association member organizations.

The application window is open between Monday, December 12, 2023 through Monday, February 6, 2024.

Applications may be accessed on the this page. If you aren't seeing the Apply Now button at the top of the page then we are currently not taking any applications.

Yes. Applications will only be accepted by MHS Association members.

Please email questions to info@mhs-association.org

You may apply for up to $4,000. A total of $4,000 will be awarded to one or more MHS Association member organizations

Awardees will be announced during MHS Assembly

No. Each organization is limited to one application.

New innovations that will enhance your organization’s mission, including small projects, pilot projects, new programs and opportunities for learning or educational development.

Employee salary or benefits, capital improvements and endowments.

The following grant submissions will be given preference:

Yes. Click here to download the Grant Application Word document.

Grant recipient provides an impact report to info@mhs-association.org on the project and use of grant funds prior to December 31, 2023.

Applications must be fully completed and all supporting documents provided by the close of the application window in order to be considered for a grant.

Immediately following the submission of your grant application, you should receive an email response in your inbox indicating your application has been received.

Past Innovation Grant Recipients

2023

Peaceful Living

Creative Clubs for Life Skills through the Arts

Amount Awarded: $4,000

Creative Clubs will be a new innovative program for Peaceful Living. These clubs will be a space for enrichment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The clubs will provide a space for:

  • choice, collaboration, and compromise: individuals will gain independence in identifying their own interests as well as the interests of their peers, and work together to select their own unique projects
  • community involvement: individuals will have opportunities to build partnerships and relationships within the community with other adults and organizations passionate about the arts
  • adaptability and accessibility: with support from experts in occupational, physical, and/or speech therapy to ensure activities are open and available to everyone
  • life skills development: individuals will have the opportunity to learn money management, math, writing, fine and motor skills, safety, personal care, and hygiene skills, plus many others

2022

Anabaptist Disabilities Network

Anabaptist Membership Curriculum for Youth and Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Amount Awarded: $4,000

An Anabaptist membership curriculum will be created for youth and adults with intellectual disabilities. The curriculum will include a teacher’s book and a student book. The teacher’s book will include a theological discussion of baptism and belonging in the Anabaptist church, including a discussion of alternatives when baptism does not seem like the right choice in cases where a declaration of intent is not clear. The student book will be written at a third grade level but with content that is appropriate for adults.

2021

Mennonite Healthcare Fellowship

Trauma Resilience and Education for Mennonite Healthcare Providers: STAR Training

Amount Awarded: $1,500

Center for Healing & Hope

The Natural Helpers Program

Amount Awarded: $2,000